Menopause 
Breast pain is a common symptom of menopause. It is important to identify the symptoms of breast pain early and accurately. Read over for more information about breast pain during menopause.
Is Breast Pain Related to Menopause?
While menopause and breast pain often occur at the same time, breast pain is usually experienced alongside other symptoms of menopause. Also, extended periods of breast pain can be a useful indicator that menopause is approaching.
Breast Pain Defined
Breast pain is any pain, soreness or discomfort that occurs in the breasts. Symptoms are often accompanied by swelling. Breast pain is usually experienced during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and breast-feeding.
Women can also suffer breast from pain during menopause, and in many cases this pain will continue after menopause.
What Are the Other Causes of Breast Pain?
Breast pain is typically the result of fluctuating levels of estrogen hormones in a woman's body during menopause. However, there are many medical conditions responsible for breast pain. If you are suffering from breast pain, consult your doctor.
Here are other causes of breast pain:
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Pregnancy
- Breast abscess
- Fibrocystic breast disease
- Mastitis
- Breast injury
- Costochondral separation
- Certain medications
- Estrogen therapy
- Breast cancer
What Can I Do to Ease My Symptoms?
Breast pain is typically a result of a hormonal imbalance during menopause and may be relieved by eating certain foods and substances, which have been shown to help restore balance. Keep in mind, however, that every woman's body is different and reacts in different ways.
Many common foods are thought to worsen symptoms. For example, caffeine is thought to have an adverse effect on health and intensify breast pain, as it dilates blood vessels and stretches the nerves.
Consuming more fiber and eating more dark green vegetables can also help reduce breast pain. In addition to dietary tips, an exercise routine has also shown to have a therapeutic effect on your hormones.
Natural medicines have been shown to target the problem of hormone imbalance, and often prove helpful in alleviating symptoms of breast pain.
Read on the symptoms and treatments for breast pain symptoms.
Sources
- Hutchinson, Susan M.D. "The Stages of a Woman's Life: Menstruation, Pregnancy, Nursing, Perimenopause, Menopause". November 2007.
- Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- BMJ Group. "Menopause: What is it?" Patient Leaflet. 2007.
